Björn Ulvaeus on ABBA’s 1st new album in 40 years: "It’s on our terms"
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
- After a 40-year hiatus, ABBA is back with its ninth and final studio album, Voyage. Founding member Björn Ulvaeus spoke with Q’s Tom Power about the band's return, its lasting legacy in pop music and what the end of ABBA means to him. cbc.ca/1.6237170
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Voyage is a masterpiece. Björn is so humble and talented. ABBA a gift for the whole wide world.
and he hit the nail on the head, as far as why they are still relevant. They had a rare combination of passion, discipline, and dedication to put in the work to make their songs worth listening to again and again.
Totally agree
Very True. Only a few musical artists in history have the immense universal appeal that ABBA has, the Beatles, the Stones, Queen and Zeppelin are others that come to mind, it would not surprise me that there were ABBA Fans in Antarctica, in equatorial Africa, the Australian Outback, Central Asia, at the tip of South America, I know from a FaceBook Group there is one on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
I wonder what Greta Thunberg says about them.
Totally agree
They always seem so confident yet humble. They know they’re good, they know they’re truly talented, yet they always seem like they are truly humbled.
So true what you say... Emotions and lots of memories get involved as grown up in the seventies... So important
It's a very Swedish trait.
When the talent is real, you don’t have to be arrogant about it. That is the reason that people such as ABBA can do what they do without much effort and pomp.
Bang-a-Boomerang perhaps?
It's bred into us as Swedes, we have a concept called "jantelagen", basically meaning "you're not that important so don't go around acting like you are". Don't be arrogant, just do your best and do what is necessary and enjoy it.
If this truly is ABBA's final album, they're going out not only on top, but with a BANG as well.
Also they have set a record 40 years later and number 1 album in multiple countries and I don't think that will be broken.
As an older woman who grew up with ABBA songs, this Voyage album, reminds me of the so many happenings in the life I’ve lived. Some regrets, some nostalgia, some triumphs, the deep joys, the uncertainties and self doubt, the sometimes painful growth as a person and as a woman to an acceptance of self while still seeking enlightenment.
And the existence of this album and the songs, is proof that No matter what age, we can grow, to push the boundaries, to remain consciously uncomfortable and enjoy that experience.
Beautifully said!
I agree with every word you wrote. ABBA’s ability to chronicle everyday life is simply exceptional.
I totally agree with you. ABBA were and are true artists in the traditional and real sense of the word.
OH how well you convey the feelings Voyage draws out. We have all aged together through the joys, highs and lows to their beautiful musical soundtrack!
Thank you interviewer for letting Bjorn speak and not cutting him off. This interview is a masterpiece.
It sounds like the angels sing again on earth: Great new Work!
I have followed ABBA since before they got famous all over the world. I have so many wonderful memories of their music. I danced to Dancing Queen in a kibbuz near Tel Aviv, I cried when I myself sang “Fernando” in Los Angeles, I played “The Winner Takes It All”, when I was left by a boyfriend, etc. etc. Their music always helps my soul, my psyche. It is like ointment for my nerves.
I remember seeing the couples in Stockholm many times. When they went to the grocery store, to the cinema and so on. So down to earth, so "normal", so humble, so gentle. The success has not changed them. It is incredible, if you think about it. Still humble and down to earth.
I have seen the young generation embrace them just like I did in the in the mid-1970s. What I also hear many young people of today say is: “Wow, this is nothing like the “music” made today. ABBA is really making MUSIC”.
So many people, old as young, get very emotional when hearing their music and lyrics and Agneta and Annifrid`s unique voices and ability to convey the message. Björn, Benny, Agnetha and Annifrid touches our hearts.
I think, that if it is something we humans need today, is it to awaken our real, deep emotions again. It is our emotions that make us human. Their music and lyrics bring us joy and happiness, an uplifted state. At the same time, they make us come into contact with our deep wounds so that we can heal them. And with our melancholy. I think that we cannot feel a real joy if we do not have contact with our opposite feelings; ABBA knows that like a tree trunk that we erode with our sorrow and pain, as big a hole that has become, just as much joy we can hold.
It is like their music has a healing impact on our (today) so weary souls. No other group that I am aware of can touch our feelings as they do. Many says: “Oh, their music makes me cry, or their music really touch my heart”. I have also heard: “Just when the world needed them most ABBA returns”.
Thank you, ABBA: you make me so proud of being Swedish!
All my love, Lena.
Great words, Lena! 👌
And I absolutely agree with you in your idea about emotions in both sides... 🙏
Thank you sooo much, ABBA! Your music brings us in contact with the loving, gentle part of ourselves. And yes, you enable us to an uplifting, to joy & happiness, which is the best this world can get in these days... ✨🌈❤️
Well said Lena
Spot on Lena. Agreed when it comes to the music all the fans around the world share the same sentiment. Timeless music that still inspires we can all relate joy and the pain.
@@jimvim3497 Thank you, Jim.
Beautifully written! Dear Lena, you have found the right words perfectly! People around the world feel exactly the same way.
The reason ABBA songs are played so much around the world. It’s the style of music. It holds a value of a much easier time in life. A chance to escape from reality of everyday BS.
I don’t know that life was easier or better. But what I am sure of is that our memories associated with ABBA music are joyful. I think the lead character in Muriel’s Wedding said something like (paraphrasing) “Everything’s better when you’re listening to an ABBA song”.
I think this is why, even though ABBA wasn’t in my top 5 favorite bands when I was a kid, I was moved to tears when I first saw the new ABBA video.
music exists in the now, not just when its recorded~! the music is relevant to people now, if it was only nostalgia, they would struggle to sell a new greatest hits album. Professional musical proficiency in recorded music lasts beyond the moment, that's the entire point of it ~! Nostalgia is for people trapped in their pasts. ABBA was relevant then, as they are now, because of the connection the hearer has with the sound. A bulk of ABBA's modern fans weren't even alive when they broke it off, and nostaligia is not even a part of what they like about ABBA , simply because nostalgia is only relevant to people who lived through that time, whereas music itself is timeless and does not belong to people of a particular era or place.
I find that all members of ABBA are very honest in their answers. They are not playing the pop game and it is so refreshing to hear. You can sense the intelligence of Bjorn. ABBA looked like a glam pop band in the 70s but they were geniuses in the attention to melody, quality production, lyrics and image. The Beatles also at first were seen as a disposable pop group but turned out to be creative geniuses. They also were an intelligent band that put melody, quality production, lyrics and image together beautifully. In the 70s everyone keep waiting for the next Beatles but they never came. Bands like ABBA and the Beatles are truly appreciate in later years when you can look back with perspective on their genius. Thank you for the music!
So true
To be pioneers when they are in their 70’s is astounding.
Tom is a thoroughly professional, likeable, well spoken, well informed interviewer, who lets the interviewee speak without interruption. Perfect.
I know. What a difference.
Yeah, he was a great interviewer :)
He really did a great interview and sounds like a great person.
He did interrupt a few times but Bjorn took it in his stride. I guess it's seen as normal now due to present day moral behaviour.
I had interpreted the lyrics of "Don't shut me down" exactly like Björn explained: not woman vs ex-partner, but Abba vs the fans. Those lyrics are so clever.
Music can last for ages, everyone after centuries knows some piece of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach... I think that Abba-songs too will still be played many, many generations from now.
Such a comeback after 40 years might never be equalled, we are all witness of a very special event in history here.
Abba are not just legendary: they are mythical (Björn uses the word "pioneers", but that's too humble).
Thanks for the wonderful interview.
I did the same thing. To me this song was obviously aimed at the fans, asking us to have an open mind. And yes, mythical is a great word to describe ABBA. This album was the best thing to come out of 2021 for me. (Maybe the best thing in my lifetime!)
I love the beautiful way that Bjorn writes lyrics that can be taken in different ways. The lyrics are deep too. You hear songs about breakups but to add the reaction of the dog is brilliant, and when an ex-wife dropping off her son to his dad, how she still might have feelings about him, and about the near extinction of the bumblebee, and the 2 different meanings in Don't Shut Me Down being about a relationship and about the Abbatars asking us not to shut them down.
Whatever they did, they did on THEIR terms. Nothing more to prove. What a luxury 😊😊
But his sudden change of topic at 19:45 ... cutting off Björn's highly interesting and detailed notes on pop music history to speak about those boring "avatars"...
In fact, they made a statement about that matter a few weeks ago. They don’t have anything to prove, so they were able to work freely, and do the things they do as they like it. That is the reason the album is beautiful.
what a RIGHT
Bjorn - your music is intelligent, creative, multi-faceted, the lyrics are interesting and have so much depth - and the harmonies are unique - that's why people love ABBA - you are all dignified and have not been affected by others
What an honest, intimate and beautiful interview. So nice to see they are normal, genuine people, without them behaving like stars.
YOU HAVE STAYED TRUE TO YOURSELVES. LEGENDARY ABBA SOUND IS BACK ON FULL FORCE. YOU ABBA, DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD. THANK YOU FOR THAT🥰🥰🥰🥰
They are the Rembrants and Mozarts of everyday listening, simple magic, Al four of them together align themselves into a gift from God. Voyage is a masterpiece and you can insert it right in the middle of their prime and it would fit perfectly
Im 16 now and i have everything by ABBA and I know what makes it last forever and ever and why it’s so special. Are you ready? Their music makes all your senses come alive. You always come away feeling something good
The best interview I have ever heard with a member of ABBA, full of wonderful insights and details about the band, their songs, and their collective history. Bjorn's talent and contributions to the canon of pop music come shining through despite his genuine modesty - his wisdom and candor are beacons to all of us.
Stimmt genau! Letzten Samstag bei " Wetten das" in einer armseligen TV Sendung im deutschen Fernsehen, ein katastrophales Interview! Das ist ein klasse Gespräch zwischen 2 erwachsenen Männern. DANKE
right on! full agreement, that was a beautifully relaxed honest interview.
I agree Bruce! It could have gone on for hours 👏🏻👏🏻
Me oriento pelos comentários.Gostaria do texto escrito, mesmo em inglês. Posso entender o conteúdo.Sabe se existe? Melhor seria em espanhol. Obrigada.
Fabulous interview, thank you, Tom. And thank you, Bjorn, and ABBA, for providing me 45 years of musical joy.
Thank you for an intelligent and respectful interview with a living legend.
I would love it if they could release just one single per year. Just for as long as they felt capable. ❤️❤️❤️
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Bjorn has such a youthful energy and attitude. I've always been impressed with how in tune he is with today's music climate and artists.
Organic, real, dignified and mesmerizingly talented. That goes to all four members of the wonder called : ABBA.
Music is a universal language, and ABBA speak it fluently.
What a lovely person he is. The new album is just fantastic!
Benny and Bjorn have been busy on the promotion circuit today (and for the past several weeks), but this was an especially enjoyable interview. Well done, Tom and the Q crew. Of course, thank you, Björn, Benny, Agnetha, and Frida.
Agree on that!
Björn gets existential and I'm here for it.
Please please do a Christmas album
What a fantastic guy, so authentically reflective and down to earth, giving great insights into his take on music and the band ABBA.
this is the loveliest interview I've seen with him~! I could listen to him for hours, and holy heck would I love to have a conversation with that man~! Legend!!!
Thank you for this lovely interview with Björn Ulvaeus! I grew up with this band. Today 53, I have known about ABBA since I was 5. I remember my German relatives in Germany sending my family and I some tapes after ABBA had won the Eurovision song contest in spring 1974. Listening to their music is like visiting a dear friend. We need to hear more ABBA songs on the radio besides "Dancing Queen" and "Mama Mia." They have so many varied recorded songs. My personal favourites are "Take a Chance On Me," , "Fernando" and "Chiquitita." These songs bring me back to my childhood and a European summer vacation in 1979. Every New Year's Day my mom plays "Happy New Year." Welcome back! Välkommen åter! ABBA, thank you for the music! Tack för alla sånger!
Bjorn! What a humble & amazing and gifted man 💚
What a great interview ❤️. Who is this guy? You made Bjorn feel so comfortable, I think he open up during the interview thanks to you 🙏🏻
A great inspirational interviewer this is, he brings out the core of Björns humble personality. I enjoyed every second of this interview, watching Björn and his thoughts about existentionalism, pioneers in music, forever friendship with Agnetha and Frida and Benny, inspiring younth and musicians for eternity. I think ABBA has survived due to all these aspects of their organic being and timing on earth. If there is any entity or force that has sent ABBA down for our worldwide comfort, I want to believe that since their comeback with ABBA Voyage.
They sound better than ever!
Listening and enjoying VOYAGE, in a loop all day. Love it ! ... thanks ABBA
I think one reason for the greatness of ABBA is their honesty and loyalty to their songs. True emotion lives forever.
As a songwriter, I have learned a lot with this great interview. Bjorn and ABBA are a treasure.
Tom Power has just given us one of the best ABBA interviews ever. Thank you 🙏🏼
A great interview, thank you for this. I would love to see ABBA write more music and come together for 10th album. I grew up with ABBA and every song takes me to a point in time of my growing up years.
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC! 👍🏽🙏🏽👏 DON'T SHUT US DOWN BJORN, MORE ABBA!
I will buy the album and give gifts to my friends - just awesome ! Amazing? Incredible! The best ever ! Oh I’ve heard most of the songs and I can sleep singing them ...but I cried at the Ode to Freedom ... because this will be their last and there’ll never be more and I just pray they live longerrrrr like 1000 yrs old . ABBA is a legend every generation will sing their songs I love you ABBA 💕💕💕💕💕
If this is farewell, then “Ode to Freedom” has a new found meaning to ti. It’s the perfect ending to the most wonderful pop story.
Talent and class all the way.
Bjorn has hardly aged.....he seems physically and personality-wise the same:)!!!!
I Hope that if Bjørn and Benny is not making a new Abba record, they will write songs for other artists. They have so much music in them that we have to hear.
Yeah. Besides, ABBA could still record new singles every now and then?❤️😍👍
@@sharifuddinsalleh7119 You're so right, because in this streaming age, people don't make time to listen to an entire album in one sitting, unless you're over 50, anyway.
They have... look up Benny Andersson on allmusic. Granted it is two musicals and most of the others are for some swedish bands and soloacts that did not do much international promotion. This album is a typical example czcams.com/video/9JYVpNxfLnY/video.html
and sounds very ABBA...
They have written two musicals, Chess and Kristina från Duvemåla. Check them out. Lots of wonderful songs. Benny also has a band, Benny Andersson’s Orchestra that is mostly traditional folk music. But they have also written for other srtists, eg Gemini.
You can find one version of Chess the Musical here: czcams.com/video/vrlI0XyAwWs/video.html
Voyage is pure gold!
We need more ABBA!
What a great interview.
Great intervju that let Björn talk. No interuptions.
What a wonderful interview from an ABBAsolute legend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was born when ABBA stopped making music @ 1982.
I love the music so much. Thank you for bringing us a whole new album.
So sad it will be the last, I still hope you overthink and blow us away with a second and absolutely last album...
You can’t get better than perfection the album has been put together so well the ladies are incredible it’s just all a miracle
Thank you sooo much, dear ABBA! ❤️🙏
Your music brings us in contact with the gentle, loving part of ourselves. You enable us to an uplifting, to joy & happiness, which is the best this world can get in these days... 🙏✨🌈
This interview is just wonderful!
As Tom said, this interview with Bjorn Ulvaeus left some lovely details that, curiously, I uncovered in part when I heard the first two songs from "Voyage" being released for public consideration. That second reading acknowledges a bridge that fans have extended and sustained out of sheer love and for years. I was pleasantly surprised by its sensitive depth!
I can say exactly what it is about ABBA's music that makes it timeless. Nearly everyone who listens to it hears something that relates to their own lives and touches them deeply within their own hearts. It's really just that simple. Bless them all for that which they have given the world!
its also the melodies there so catchy. and the harmony.
Nice interview. Björn was so sincere and showed deep concepts .
The answer to the question why new generations listen to ABBA is the fact that music is great, young people have been listening to the music because of their parents and grandparents. The tune are catchy, all 4 members are so lovely, fun, great people and they gave everything to the audience....ABBA loved and respected the audience and the audience loves and respects them back.
Would love to open my door to all the ABBAtars. Look forward to seeing them in London.
Bjorn looks so young so glad ABBA Come back as ABBA with 40 years of maturity the girls voices sound outstanding as is the production.
АББА- моя любовь с детства. В России их особенно любят. Очень ! Здоровья тебе, АББА ! Радуй нас еще !
So good to see tthem all looking happy & healthy. They are four "Very Special" people.
Nice to see also Benny's old synths in the background being almost a "ancient" as Abba (and me). A Synclavier from the late 1970s, and what looks like a Memory Moog or similar generation instruments.
That's a Moog Minimoog Voyager Gold from the early 2010s. 😉 Very desirable piece of collection. Apparently only 31 were made.
Congratulation Abba a great joy to hear u again
*7:20** Frida's vocal gives me GOOSEBUMPS !!!*
The music and lyrics evoke happiness and are uplifting, joyful, which is why they live across generations. We feel good, better when we hear ABBA!
Wow, how true!
Great interview, great men
The should release a final version of Just Like That as a final goodbye and icing on the cake. Please, do it!
ABBA did not like Just Like That… And that’s a bummer!
@@riabrummel808 they did indeed like it. they couldn;t finish the mastering. ABBA ended and eventually B&B sold the release rights to Gemini. He';s made it more than clear, that its a past notion now, its been done and they "got other things to do". Repeatedly has clarified this point.
Abba gets together again and brings us a spectacular album,,,,now they will leave us for good and break our hearts again.
If this is indeed their last album I believe it's such a great testament to their legacy. It really is a beautiful gift to their legions of fans.
I remember back in their heyday waiting for the next Abba album to come out and thought a year or more was such a long time. Now forty years later and I'm just filled with pure joy at the new album. But as I didn't think there would be one it was a great and happy surprise. Abba thank you for a lifetime of memories!
Tom - great interview. Glad you gave Mr. Ulvaeus enough time to get past the standard interview material. You and I both find comfort in his admission of insecurity. Something else that motivates me: A 70-something doing good, meaningful work and enjoying himself AND his old friends. God, I hope that’s me in a few decades.
Now if only my local public radio station would start carrying “Q” again…
Great interview. So happy they did this. A gift for the fans.
All my respect to Björn and the other members of my favorite group since I was on my 20's, ABBA.
I love how organic that he described everything happened so naturally I love that
I’ve been in tears listening to Voyage. And I’m just 20. But, idk, it’s just so special. Thank you so much, such a beautiful gift 💜
Superb interview! Respectful and informative! Thank you!
Thank you for the music 🎶 the Greatest Singers!!!
What a great interview! The best so far of the ABBA comeback!
You're right. What a depth! I was amazed he dared to tell so much about himself.
(The whole group of ABBA )Is the mystery of suses . The lyrics the composition , the music , the voices ,the talent of the 4 of them . Thanks for the music !
I bought the album ,its beautiful all the way through because it is ABBA, cant be beaten they are so unique .Thank you for making this extra album X
Brilliant interview and Bjorn seems to enjoy the challenging questions.
They're still so young at hart and as true artists the Creation of making great music was the piece they were missing all these years. Voyage is a a total transcendent Masterpiece.
Great interview!
Thank you ❤️
Regarding Abba as pioneers, "The Visitors" album was the first rock//pop album ever to be released on Compact Disc.
I like "The Visitors" album. It's somewhat a weird album because on one hand the production goes pop, but paradoxally in 1981 Abba went back to their classic style of compositions (very lyrical songs , like "I let the music speak"). I like the Visitors but I prefer the previous "Super Trouper", more intense, more solid but also darker in many ways.
I thought it was Billy Joel..
@@knockedoutloaded279 He was the second , but it was a re-release of a previous album. . Also , ABBA’s album was one of the first to be recorded and mixed digitally . Many early releases of previous artists material sounded sub-par, unlike “ The Visitors” CD.
I believe The Visitors was the first album recorded wholly digitally. 1981!
@@rdwulf6289 it wasn’t the first album to be recorded digitally. That was already done in the late 70’s. It has the distinction of being the first commercially released CD.
We thought Never, but it's awesome & beyond. Please give us More!!!!
Love ABBA so much,and still listening and watching their videos today.
Wonderful interview, love listening to Björn.
What a great interview with a lovely man. Thanks! We've heard the core Voyage stuff in lots of places now, but the extra time here led to some real gems coming out; the 'Rock You Baby' groove thing in particular. Well done.
NowI feel very stupid for not using the fact that I understand Swedish to look yup what these wonderful musicians have said in the past, because this is an incredibly inspiring interview. It sounds like all of ABBA plus people involved with ABBA musically where w exceptionally wise, persistent and thoughtful from the very beginning.
Per Björn’s remark about modern songwriters: the band Lo Moon is an example of a band that puts maximum effort and patience into their songs. The song “Loveless” in particular, took four years of persistent writing and recording, and apart from the fact that it really grips you emotionally, you wouldn’t really know it unless you got a chance to listen to the stems
4 years for a song is way too long. Not even the great classical composers spent so much time on their symphonies or operas. ABBA's maximum for a song was maybe 4 weeks. The songs were well-produced but I think Björn is modest when he talks about effort rather than his and especially Benny's talent.
My god this is unbelievable 😳 but I fill fantastic and joy and amazing interview ever ..THANK YOU XXXX
Heaven knows ABBA. Heaven knows all four of them. Knows them well... 🙏🏻🖤🎶
I wish they knew that. Heaven is the source of music. Heaven loves them
Fantastic interview!
He's a smart man and he looks freaking fantastic!! They all do.
Their new album gives us comfort and joy especially during these times.
It's like a big hug from them to us.
Thank you, Bjorn! ❤️
Wonderful interview and great humble guy/people(Abba). While not all tracks are my favs, regardless it is super that they got together finally to do...great promotions too and the concept of "Young Digital Abba" today is definitely unique and amazing.
Благодарна Бьорну и Бенни за создание прекрасных,исторически весомых песенных шедевров АВВА,на которых уже учатся и в дальнейшем будут учиться следующие поколения...!!!
АББА - это подарок всем людям, всему миру.
Your songs touch people in real lives. For me, from Papua New Guinea, I admired the courage you had to be even together singing what is heartbreaking yet with a smile. The four of you, unbelievable! I love ABBA since then until now and even right after you are gone. Powerful.
Loved the music AND the lyrics on Voyage album!
Wonderful job in this interview. I got a real sense of being inside Bjorn’s head about the goings on with ABBA. Love the album. #ABBAobsessed
Great interview
I love the interview with Bjorn and their new album "Voyage". I've been following ABBA since I was 8 years old (58 now) and I would NEVER shut you guy down. I love and respect Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Frida way way too much😘😘😘 I Still Have Faith In You and Don't Shut Me Down has touch me soo much in ways that I've never felt this kind of love from anyone and also brings tears of joy and love to see and hear everyone back together and singing together once again 💖 💕 ❤ ♥ Saying thank you doesn't seem enough to say, so I'm sending all my love, huge hugs, and kisses to you all....Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Frida. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🙋♀️⚘⚘⚘⚘
I can't belive I live over the pond. 😭 The show is going to be amazing. I'm grateful though, that I got new music that didn't let me down. They keep making me cry lol love you ABBA thank you forever ❤
I grew up with Abba music. Whenever yi hear the first few accords of an Abba song I instantly know which song it is and sing along cause I still know the lyrics by heart. Björn hasnt changed a bit from the face. Only grew older - like a good wine ripening with the years. I would have recognized Björn instantly. Benny is a different story. He has changed a lot but still has his beautiful voice like all the other Abba group members. Frida hasnt changed much either. Would have recognized her from the face. Agnetha has changed more but still has some of the younger looks. I have listened to the release songs from the new album and realised that they have written about their own past experiences which were not all pleasant as we know. But the songs also show that they have matured into a wisdom by these experiences.
Honestly, I think that if Benny colored his hair and beard like Bjorn presumably does, you would recognize him instantly (apart from the slightly receding hair). They all aged like wine.